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Bernice Ross
We’re in unknown territory in terms of how long COVID-19 will last, exactly how many people have already contracted the virus, as well as how it will impact our business and financial well-being. Fear is a normal reaction. Here are four steps to take to manage any fear you may be experiencing and to get back to enjoying your life as much as possible.
Turn off major network and cable news shows. Get your news online and in measured doses, but not by watching YouTube videos. Seeing pictures of everyone masked up, of hospitals and drive-through testing and hearing newscasters repeatedly describing the latest bad news jacks up your fear level. You’re much less likely to experience fear and stress when you’re reading words rather than watching a video.
My favorite source for objective online news is TheDonut.co. They always have a “Dose of Positive,” plus their reporting is strictly fact-based. Editorial opinions are clearly labeled, “Far Left, Center Left, Neutral, Center Right, Far Right.”
Engage in extreme self-care. To strengthen your immune system and avoid becoming ill, eat well, get extra sleep, drink plenty of water, exercise, and engage in activities that you make you laugh or smile. Each of these activities causes your body to release beta endorphins, key neurotransmitters that form part of your body’s first line of defense.
Research has also revealed that music can also reduce stress by lowering Cortisol levels. The song “Weightless” by Marconi Union, was ranked as “the most relaxing song ever.” In fact, one study showed that “Weightless” not only reduced Cortisol levels, it also reduced anxiety by 65 percent while also lowering heart rate and blood pressure as well.
While reaching for comfort food is a natural reaction in times of crisis, avoid eating to calm your nerves. Protect your body by eating foods that support your energy and good health.
Take all non-essential items off your to-do list. Focus only on what matters most and put everything else aside for the next few weeks. Make sure everyone in your household does this as well. Today, less is more.
When you are facing a pandemic, your first obligation is doing everything possible to keep your loved ones healthy. The world will still be there with all its other problems when COVID-19 dies down.
Step outside, bask in the sunshine, and enjoy the beauties of springtime. Care for your garden or hit the hike and bike trail. Seeing the trees and flowers blooming reminds you that life is cyclical and that the issues we’re facing now will eventually be in back of us.
Go out of your way to be courteous and kind.
Challenging times call for us to be at our best and to go even one step further. When everyone is feeling the stress, minor things can trigger major reactions. Do your best to avoid adding any additional stress on top of what people are already experiencing.
Dr. Paul Pearsall’s research with heart transplant patient, has shown that laughing 100 times a day is the best way to ward off heart disease and cancer. Laughter floods your body with beta endorphins, a key neurotransmitter that blocks pain, strengthens your immune system, and makes you feel good.
By the same token, when you smile at someone and they smile back, their smile releases beta endorphins in their system making them feel better. It’s the equivalent of giving them a virtual hug.
Very simply, the world is a treacherous place. You can choose let fear dominate your life or you can take steps to manage the fear and live your life to the fullest extent possible.
Bernice Ross is a nationally syndicated columnist, author, trainer and speaker on real estate topics. She can be reached at bernice@realestatecoach.com.
